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Ann Lowe: American Couturier
The definitive illustrated volume on the work and life of Ann Lowe, a consummate couturier who designed lavish evening and bridal gowns for members of America’s social registry, a Black woman working hard behind the scenes whose important legacy has remained underappreciated—until now.
At the height of her fashion career, Ann Lowe’s luxurious and opulent evening gowns and bridal wear were sold in upscale department stores across the country. At various times Lowe owned salons on Madison Avenue. She made Jackie Kennedy’s wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses, but, upon arrival at the Auchincloss estate on the big day, the butler directed Lowe to enter via the service entrance (she refused). Throughout her lifetime (c. 1898–1981), her major contributions to American style were unrecognized.
Vivid new photography of Lowe’s couture gowns—including lush details of her exquisite handwork and signature floral embellishments—accompany essays that explore the trials and achievements of Lowe’s life, contextualize her work within fashion history, profile Black designers whose work reflects her influence, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary efforts to preserve Lowe’s gowns.
At the height of her fashion career, Ann Lowe’s luxurious and opulent evening gowns and bridal wear were sold in upscale department stores across the country. At various times Lowe owned salons on Madison Avenue. She made Jackie Kennedy’s wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses, but, upon arrival at the Auchincloss estate on the big day, the butler directed Lowe to enter via the service entrance (she refused). Throughout her lifetime (c. 1898–1981), her major contributions to American style were unrecognized.
Vivid new photography of Lowe’s couture gowns—including lush details of her exquisite handwork and signature floral embellishments—accompany essays that explore the trials and achievements of Lowe’s life, contextualize her work within fashion history, profile Black designers whose work reflects her influence, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary efforts to preserve Lowe’s gowns.
- GenresFashionHistoryNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 6, 2024
I bought this book to add to my shelf of untold history. Ann Lowe was an incredibly talented designer who just happened to be African-American. Her intricate designs were displayed in the clothing of America's most elite families including Jackie Kennedy's wedding dress.
December 31, 2023
For much of her life, Ann Lowe’s couture talent was a well kept secret only known to the high society set. Lowe designed Jackie Kennedy’s wedding gown, Olivia de Havilland’s Oscar dress and numerous debutante frocks. Her work could be seen in the wardrobes of Marjorie Meriwearher Post, as well as other prominent socialites. Not until late in her life did she receive public credit for her achievements. This, no doubt, was due to her African America heritage. An exhibit, along with this companion book, tries to remedy her omission from the ranks of great designers.
The book gives a good rundown of Lowe’s personal and professional accomplishments. One can see her beautiful fashions worn by mannequins and in photographs documenting their appearances on their original owners.
One chapter devotes itself to the conservation and recreation of one of her masterpieces. You can see the intricate details of seams and stitches as well as their embellishments.
The included collection of essays successfully illustrates Lowe’s career. Those interested in fashion, its business and its politics will find the this a rewarding purchase.
The book gives a good rundown of Lowe’s personal and professional accomplishments. One can see her beautiful fashions worn by mannequins and in photographs documenting their appearances on their original owners.
One chapter devotes itself to the conservation and recreation of one of her masterpieces. You can see the intricate details of seams and stitches as well as their embellishments.
The included collection of essays successfully illustrates Lowe’s career. Those interested in fashion, its business and its politics will find the this a rewarding purchase.
August 14, 2024
Beautiful and so informative!
Prior to reading this, all I knew about Ann Lowe was that she made the Kennedy wedding dress (and to be honest I’m not a fan of that dress - I can do without the big rosettes, etc). But this book has SO MUCH MORE than that!
I loved that there were so many pictures (full length and close-up) of her many beautiful creations. I also enjoyed reading the detailed history of Ann’s life, as well as in depth descriptions about how she created these amazing dresses and how museums work to conserve them.
Prior to reading this, all I knew about Ann Lowe was that she made the Kennedy wedding dress (and to be honest I’m not a fan of that dress - I can do without the big rosettes, etc). But this book has SO MUCH MORE than that!
I loved that there were so many pictures (full length and close-up) of her many beautiful creations. I also enjoyed reading the detailed history of Ann’s life, as well as in depth descriptions about how she created these amazing dresses and how museums work to conserve them.
December 31, 2024
This book is both very informative about Lowe and her life, and also full of gorgeous pictures of her gowns. This is all I ever want in a fashion book, so its making me very happy.
Lowe is an amazing couturier, and her work should be better known. This book does spend some time focusing on her influence, which was really nice to see!
Lowe is an amazing couturier, and her work should be better known. This book does spend some time focusing on her influence, which was really nice to see!
October 18, 2025
A lovely collection of photos of Ann Lowe's gowns, and a biography of her life. I am in awe of how she was able to create so many gowns with such intricate detailing. Amazing! Truly a creative genius.
July 6, 2024
Wonderful book with full-page pictures of Ann Lowe's beautiful creations! There is an astounding amount of detail included about her life and her work as well.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews